Demobilization: Mali 2015 Accord for Peace and Reconciliation
Implementations
Demobilization – 2015
The 2015 agreement established a DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) program that was facilitated by MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) and overseen by a national commission that included the Accord signatories. Cantonment sites were to be operational within 120 days, and opposition groups were required to provide lists of combatants within 30 days.
The government and opposition groups proposed cantonment sites in late 2015. The DDR process did not begin in 2015.
Demobilization – 2016
The National DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) Commission was established by 2016 but was not operational. The DDR program was drafted but was not functioning.[1]
[1] “Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in Mali,” United Nations Security Council S/2016/1137.
Demobilization – 2017
By 2017, MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission) had prepared eight cantonment sites for the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration).[1] The DDR process was delayed due to disagreements regarding the number of former combatants to be integrated into the new security forces. Opposition groups failed to provide combatant lists in 2017.[2]
[1] “On the Implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, Emanating from the Algiers Process Evaluation of Implementation in 2018,” The Carter Center, February 18, 2019.
[2] “Report of the Secretary-General on the Situation in Mali,” United Nations Security Council S/2017/1105.
Demobilization – 2018
The parties agreed to speed up the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) process in the fall of 2018 and established requirements for eligibility for the new armed forces. By 2018, the DDR program had registered 32,908 combatants. 13,019 were under evaluation for integration into the armed forces, while 4,998 were designated for reintegration.[1] It was difficult to assess what percentage of troops needed to be demobilized as this was one of the primary disagreements between the signatories. The opposition groups identified large numbers of eligible fighters, which the government claimed were medically or otherwise ineligible. [2]
[1] “Report of the Independent Observer. Observations on the Implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, Emanating from the Algiers Process Observation period: May 1 to September 30, 2018,” The Carter Center, October 26, 2018.
[2] “Report of the Independent Observer on the Implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, Emanating from the Algiers Process,” The Carter Center, January, 2020.
Demobilization – 2019
The DDR program continued to be hindered by disagreements over eligible opposition combatants in 2019. 83,000 to 85,000 potential candidates had been identified by the end of 2019. The independent observer noted that the large number of candidates appeared to be a delaying tactic by the opposition groups.[1]
[1] “Report of the Independent Observer on the Implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, Emanating from the Algiers Process,” The Carter Center, January, 2020.
Demobilization – 2020
The DDR (disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration) program was hampered by protracted negotiations between the parties throughout 2020. By December, approximately 1,776 ex-combatants had been demobilized and disarmed in preparation for integration into the military.[1]
[1] “Report of the Independent Observer on the Implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, Emanating from the Algiers Process, The Carter Center, December 2020.
Demobilization – 2021
No further implementation observed.